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Wake Genealogy Watch - Spring 2026 issue
The Spring 2026 issue (Vol. 9, Issue 3) of the Wake Genealogy Watch newsletter is now available online for reading or download. Visit the WCGS website or click here: Wake Genealogy Watch, Spring 2026.This issue includes:
- News of upcoming in-person Meet-ups
- Barbara McGeachy helps you discover and access that family history book you need that is half a continent away using Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
- A feature about the WCGS Publications available through Lulu.com
- A summary of Saudra Russ Cropps’ presentation to the AAHGS-Triangle Chapter on Jesse Harris, a Black Revolutionary Patriot, including links to the presentation files
- Highlights of the presentations from RootsTech2026
- Cynthia Gage shares the process of finding records at NARA that may well enrich your WW2 Ancestors service record. There is information available that was not destroyed in a 1973 fire.
- A timely feature on an online collection of NC Rev War Widows’ Pensions curated by MosaicNC
- A look at Patriot qualifications as described at DAR. It was not only soldiering that earned Patriot status
- And more
Photo Note: Please refer to the online edition where you can enlarge the photos to accommodate better viewing.
Click this newsletter page link to view this and all past newsletter content. Visit the searchable Wake Genealogy Watch cumulative index to browse past issues.
We welcome your feedback, input, and submissions for inclusion in future editions. Please address all concerns to newsletter@wakecogen.org.
Upcoming In-person Events
Join us for the next WCG Meet-ups!
March 28
April 29
Coffee and Conversation: Meet at Panera Bread, 1004 Parkside Main Street, Cary on Wednesday, Apr. 29 9:30am. Let’s get to know each other! We’ll chat about what genealogical topics we're working on, or a brick wall, or ask other members how to do something. Details at blog post.
June 20
Book Exchange at Laurel Hills: Do you have any genealogy books that you don’t use and would like to go to a good home? Are you looking for genealogy books? Let’s get together and swap books! Afterwards, we’ll go to lunch (Dutch treat). This is a fund-raiser / meet-up / recycling event. Details are at this blog post.
Follow Wake 250 Content at our Blog
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This year, at the Wakecogen blog, we are turning our attention to the days leading up to and including the Revolutionary war. We are exploring how that would be experienced by the colonists of our area from the 1750's through the 1790's. Follow their trials, and successes here.
View All Wake 250 Content |
Special Black History Month Presentations
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"Saundra Russ Cropps, WCGS Diversity Officer and member of the South Atlantic Region of Society of the First African Families of English America, presented at the Afro-American Historical andGenealogical Society-Triangle Chapter on February 7. She shared the story of her Forgotten Patriot ancestor Private Jesse Harris and the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (from the original project collaboration with the Wake County Historical Society and Wake County Genealogical Society).Russ Cropps shared the story of her ancestor Private Jesse Harris (1762-1844), a free Black man who served for 18 months in the 10th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army after being hired by a "class of men" to fulfill their service obligation."
Black History Month is a fitting time to share both presentations from our Shiloh History Celebration in October 2025.
View both slidesdecks with narrative below:
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We told you Fall 2025 would be a busy season...
We had so many events planned this fall. Here are some highlights. I hope you were in on the fun.
Each image can be viewed larger at our blog where more photos and full event accounts are shared. Just follow the links below.
and a Revolutionary ancestor. Many more photos at the link.
October 24-25 - NCGS Fall Conference
WCGS was well represented at the conference.
December 4 - WCGS Holiday Meet-up at Relish Kitchen
We had a great time! Follow these lovely Christmas elves to our blog post the recap and photos!
That wraps up the local events for this year. Looking forward to seeing you out and about in 2026!
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April 28
Researching Your Mom: Don't overlook researching your immediate family!
Presenter: Diane L Richard Think you know your mom? Our research skills aren't just for researching the long-ago deceased; they can be used for ...
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May 26
Preserving Small Family Cemeteries
Presenter: Joel Hobby Join us for a discussion on the ins and outs of preserving small family cemeteries. Join us! Free and ...
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June 23
Fishing in Every Pond: Cousin Baiting
Presenter: Christine Cohen We will discuss the many ways to reach out to distant living cousins to help you expand your pedigree chart ...
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Volunteer needs
Near or far, there is always a way you can help WCGS!
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